New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from the backcountry.
In 2016, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 356 search and rescue missions, extinguished 185 wildfires that burned a total of 4,191 acres, and worked on cases that resulted in nearly 3,000 tickets or arrests.
“Across New York, DEC Forest Rangers are on the front lines helping people safely enjoy the great outdoors,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Their knowledge of first aid, land navigation, and technical rescue techniques is critical to the success of their missions, which take them from remote wilderness areas with rugged mountainous peaks to white-water rivers, and throughout our vast forested areas statewide.”
Recent missions carried out by DEC Forest Rangers include:
Town of Diana
Lewis County
Search: On Nov. 12, a hunter found items that led Forest Rangers, Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, and New York State Police to commence search efforts for a missing 23-year-old man in a new area. The man had last been seen on June 12, in the Kimballs Mill Road area in the town of Diana. Forest Rangers responded and coordinated the search for several days while other police agencies conducted investigations. Due to underlying circumstances and no clues, the search was designated as a “limited continuous.” With the new evidence, 10 Forest Rangers and six Lewis County Sheriff’s Department members searched a wooded area in Jadwin State Forest on Nov.13, and located the subject deceased. Lewis County Sheriff’s and State Police are continuing their investigations.
Borough of Brooklyn
Kings County
Recognition Ceremony: On Nov. 13, Glamour Magazine hosted its Women of the Year Awards at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn.
Alongside many notable celebrities, Glamour recognized four DEC Forest Rangers and professionals who traveled west in 2017 as wildland firefighters to battle blazes in Montana and California, along with other responders to natural disasters.
From left to right, Forest Rangers Aimee Bills, Corenne Black, Nancy Ganswindt, and Hannah O’Connor (photos attached)
Town of Diana
Lewis County
Search: On Nov. 18 at 3:32 p.m., DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from Lewis County 911 requesting Forest Ranger assistance to locate a 50-year-old male lost in Jadwin State Forest while hunting. The subject’s coordinates were obtained by Lewis County Dispatch placing him near the Kimballs Mill Road. Two Rangers responded and located the subject and returned him to his vehicle by 5:32 p.m.
Town of Rochester
Ulster County
Search: On Nov. 19 at 5:20 p.m., DEC Central Dispatch was notified by Ulster County 911 of a hunter reported lost by his hunting companion. Forest Rangers were dispatched to the camp at 54 Dymond Road and cell phone coordinates were obtained for the missing hunter. Responders located the hunter in good condition near the area of the cell phone coordinates. All parties were out of the woods by 7:30 p.m.
Town of White Creek
Washington County
Rescue: On Nov. 20 at 6:28 a.m., Washington County 911 contacted DEC Central Dispatch requesting Forest Rangers assistance in helping a 73-year-old hunter who had fallen from a tree stand. Forest Rangers responded along with local fire department and ambulance personnel. The hunter was extricated from the woods and transported by EMS to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment. The fall is being investigated by DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs).
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hiking Safety (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28708.html) and Adirondack Backcountry Information (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html) webpage for more information.
